Genesis 2:15 (NIV)

15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.

From the beginning man was a worker. God made man to take care of the garden of Eden. The scriptures don’t give a lot of detail as to what that entailed but we know for sure we were made to be productive to put things in order and take care of God’s gifts. Maybe it would be better said to describe it as stewardship. One thing is for sure there was no sorrow in this toil. Joy was the atmosphere in Eden.

Everything Adam needed to be fulfilled, productive, and satisfied was provided by God. Even a mate to help and encourage him. Woman came out of man. Bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh is how Adam described the gift of Eve. God was creator and Father to his children. They lacked nothing. They had all they needed but still they worked. We were made to accomplish, create, sustain, and nurture the creation of God. God created us to be useful and relevant in his creation.

Resist the temptation to sit down and become inactive in your relationship with God. Don’t allow the enemy to depress you and keep you from labor. Relationships are labor intensive but yield great fruit. Get up! Get to work and find the fulfillment that brings strength and joy to life. It may be tough but God has given instruction; “don’t be weary in well doing”, “tears may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning.”

We were made for work. Rejoice. God has given you purpose and abilities that make you aware of your position in Christ. You are a child of God. You’re in the family.

Rejoice. Don’t forget to pack a lunch…you’ve got work to do. Get up!